2nd Opinion: Oxygen
Connor Johnston & Gustaff Behr give their verdicts on the fifth episode of Series 10.
Connor’s Verdict
Debuting in 2014 with both Flatline and Mummy on the Orient Express, Jamie Mathieson has without question maintained a level of involvement and quality across the last four years to assert himself as one of the strongest success stories of the Capaldi era. From contemporary horror stories to medieval romps, Mathieson has constructed in four standalone episodes an amazingly broad and diverse portfolio of scripts; adding to it this week by tackling one of the show’s most treasured though quietly overused formats: base under siege (BUS).
Arguably the most crucial aspect of a BUS script is the establishment of a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere – an aspect where Oxygen emphasises its strength almost immediately. Borrowing from his own successes in Mummy on the Orient Express as well as the techniques used in last year’s Heaven Sent, Mathieson’s use of a zombie-like threat that remains in gradual but constant pursuit is incredibly effective in ensuring neither the characters nor the audience can linger in a sense of safety for long periods of time. Furthermore, the smaller details such as measurements recorded in breaths and the concept of a smart suit being able to act without the piloting of ‘organic matter’ do genuine wonders for the audience’s acceptance of the setting the episode introduces. To reiterate my praise of Sarah Dollard’s historic accuracies in Thin Ice, it is these seemingly superficial additions that both asserts the effort and talent of the show’s writers and aids the audience tremendously in transporting themselves into a foreign time.
However subtle it may have been in the past, Doctor Who (particularly in the 21st Century), has always been used as a tool to make commentary on social matters. Oxygen successfully channels the use of subtle commentary to inform and justify its narrative by touching upon the political theory of capitalism both in the episode’s main premise and resolution. It is here that Mathieson achieves a certain balance that enriches his script to a point in which to both provoke discussion and propel the plot without overwhelming it and risking the audience’s engagement – a balance that recent examples such as Sleep No More have struggled with in the past.
Episodes that maintain a fast pace and high level of intensity often risk losing the time in which to invest in moments dedicated to character development. Not unlike many BUS episodes, Oxygen’s supporting cast struggle to make much of an impression simply due to the context of their character’s appearances. However, this does not necessarily have a detrimental effect on the episode, instead using its supporting cast as tools to heighten the body count rather than characters to tell their own stories. Fortunately, the episode uses the events of its plot not as a distraction, but as an excuse to narrow in on our three leading actors and devote a significant amount of screentime to progress their individual character arcs. For Mackie’s Bill, we continue to explore how her relationship with the Doctor both pushes her out of her comfort zone and challenges her with his own sense of ‘universal responsibility’ that she’s been been strained to default to for now her second off-world adventure.
Similarly, Capaldi’s final series continues to foreshadow his oncoming regeneration, with Oxygen going one step further than most episodes that express a certain awe towards the Doctor’s invincibility, with the twist that sees him retain an injury through a mixture of his own hubris and selflessness. A rare occurrence, but an important addition to remind audiences that the concept of the Doctor’s indestructibility only stretches so far – once again made even more poignant when married to Capaldi’s oncoming departure. Lastly, this week sees Matt Lucas’ Nardole finally receive his first tangible opportunity to cement his character within the dynamic of the TARDIS team. Comedic and charming without appearing cheap, stern without appearing melodramatic and showing unquestionable value both in terms of both the episode’s and the series’ broader narrative: Lucas has finally left me convinced his return has been right for the show.
Oxygen takes one of the most repeated episode formats in the form of a ‘Base Under Siege’ and; through the aid of layered script, strong character dynamic and an incredible high standard of direction and cinematography by Charles Palmer, produces a finished product that is original, relevant and enthralling.
Gustaff’s Verdict
…Worth every breath.
Oxygen, if you’ll pardon the pun, feels like a breath of fresh air. After weeks of finding new ways to tell similar plots, Jamie Mathieson breaks the repetitive streak by presenting us with a story that excels in just every way possible and in so many ways feel like a return to form for Doctor Who.
I also can’t remember the last time world building felt this fresh. Oxygen as a currency (sort of) is a fascinating concept and Mathieson bleeds every ounce of creativity he can out of it. It’s the little things like the map layout in the base, or the measuring life in breaths not minutes that enrich the script. These tiny elements help sell you on the idea that wherever this is in time and space, it’s a place far removed from where you are now. It really could be another world entirely. It takes a special kind of originality to reinvent the wheel, but still have everyone believe they’ve never seen one before. Kudos to Jamie Mathieson for raising the bar on Series 10.
This story also features the first proper outing for the Doctor, Bill and Nardole as our resident TARDIS trio. Like many, I had my doubts about this team, but after watching this episode, I can say that I really wouldn’t mind more adventures with this crew.
Nardole as a character has improved greatly since his debut. And while this episode still features a few cringy attempts at Nardole humour, it’s Matt Lucas’ emotional and dramatic beats that highlight the effectiveness of his character. The scene between him and the Doctor at the end of the episode ranks as one of Oxygen‘s highlights. Matt Lucas manages to expertly convey the seriousness of the situation and the possible cataclysmic consequences should the Doctor continue to stray from his path. A highly effective scene, handled brilliantly by both Peter Capaldi and Matt Lucas, even if the idea of a race of Time and Space travel masters being unable to cure blindness comes off as a complete brain fart. Could it be any more obvious that “blindness” isn’t a consequence of the Doctor’s actions, but a plot convenience for next week’s episode?
Bill’s characterization is also back from its holiday last week and stronger than ever. Oxygen is a great story for her for a number of reasons. As mentioned, while Time Lords being unable to cure blindness (for whatever contrived reason) is a bit nonsensical, the plot thread does get a pass from me this week due to the potential conflict/tension/drama it sets up, the most obvious being Bill’s guilt once she finally learns what the Doctor sacrificed so that she could live. This is an especially exciting notion as the chemistry between Bill and the Doctor has been the most enjoyable aspect of Series 10 and rightfully so.
As for Peter Capaldi, we’re five episodes in and there is not a single thing I can think of that needs improving. His Doctor’s characterization is stronger than it’s ever been and Capaldi does the material justice ten times over. You laugh when he’s funny (especially when he isn’t trying to be) and you feel for him when he grieves, as when he was forced to hastily explain to Bill that she won’t die, but will suffer (pyrrhic victory?). The Doctor’s final scene with Nardole also highlights the special dynamic that the two of them share. As I mentioned in last week’s review, the tension over the Doctor’s irresponsibility is slowly rising in Nardole, and now the sidekick even has ammunition to defend his case for the next time it happens (because the show would be boring if it didn’t). It’s interesting to see how this relationship is being strained in part by the Doctor’s budding friendship with Bill since it gives him a reason to travel again.
It remains to be seen if the series will make full use of this plot thread later on, but for now it serves as a great way to revisit the Vault story arc, which so far has resorted to drip feeding us information.
